If you've noticed on various photos that were recently shared of the Embers featuring Craig Woolard, you may have noticed a difference face sitting behind the drums. On August 30, 2021, Rita Free made a post on Facebook regarding Wayne Free and his recent procedure. Wayne told us earlier today "I’m recovering great, driving Ree up the wall" and went on to talk about how supportive and understanding the band has been. He appreciates all of the messages they've received! We know he's ready to get back on the road doing what he loves and we'll continue our prayers for Wayne.

The original post reads:
"As some of you know, Wayne had to have surgery. We try to guard and protect our private lives as so much of our life is public but we wanted to do a quick update for everyone! Wayne is great and recovering, now at home. He is a hard one to keep still to recover but I'm doing my best! lol  He can not wait to get back on the road with The Embers and back to his Beach Waves Radio show "The Freeway". We would like to thank The Embers Organization for their support and encouragement throughout, everyone has been absolutely amazing! The crazy crew of DJ's at Beach Waves have provided support and laughter for both of us! We love both of our professional families We continue to be thankful for prayers and well wishes from many. We feel very blessed to have caught this "hiccup" and fixed it before there was a major problem!! The Good Lord was watching over us! Morale to the story, if you feel something is off....go get it checked!We would love to have continued prayers and continued respect for privacy. Please understand there is no way Wayne or I can respond to all of the messages but we see them Special thanks to our family circle, without my mom staying in the waiting room with me for days and my sister taking care of EVERYTHING else on the homestead, I would have truly lost my mind! We were able to to come home to a spotless, sterile house with a fridge full of food thanks to Rhonda and Stephen. Our friends and family are the best of the best! #thisishowthefunkindoodaldo"

        Photo Property of Rita Free

On August 24, 2021 Tim Morris posted an update on his Facebook page. This is great news and we can't wait to see Tim back on the road full time. We will continue to keep him in our prayers. 
 

"Thank you everyone for your prayers, calls, messages and donations. You have made this terrible health setback much easier to go through. I am still recovering and have 2 more procedures that will take place in the coming weeks to months, but I am feeling so much better! I am feeling well enough to hit the stage again with BOZ this week. I will be taking it slow and it will take some time to rebuild my chops, but I am excited to do what I love once again and to see you all!! Thanks to everyone!!!♥️♥️♥️"

On Sunday, August 22, 2021 the Battlefield Boogie Club posted on their Facebook page to "brush off your dancing shoes" as they begin hosting their weekly dances again. We've included their original post below with all of the details.

"WE'RE BACK  Brush off your dancing shoes.

On August 21, 2021 the Roanoke Valley Shag Club shared on their Facebook page that their monthly dances will resume in October. This will be their first dance since February of 2020. Some things have changed including the venue and having a cover charge and we've included that information below.

"Hey everybody, finally some good news to share, our monthly dance schedule will resume in October. This will be our first dance since February of 2020. As previously stated, your 2020 membership is still good for the rest of the year. 2022 membership information forthcoming.

The deadline to submit your nominations for the 2021 Carolina Beach Music Awards is Friday, August 13, 2021. You should've received your nomination ballot information and if not, we encourage you to reach out to the Carolina Beach Music Academy at: 843-280-9000 or email Bo Gilbert. Also be sure to check your junk email folders just in case. Good luck to all of the industry members and we can't wait to see everyone in November in N. Myrtle Beach.

For full information on the Carolina Beach Music Academy or to become a member, please visit: www.Cammy.org

On July 29, 2021 Dino Fair announced on his Facebook page the end of Sea-Cruz. His post reads:

"IMPORTANT!!! After twenty years I am closing the book on Sea-Cruz. I have re-injured my right arm lifting band equipment. For those that remember, I injured my neck, shoulder, elbow and hand two years ago just before “The Making Waves Cruise” with “Craig and The Embers”. I’m sure they remember me sucking on their stage. I opted not to have surgery because I was not ready to leave the stage. I dealt with my issues long and hard and now I have added a possible detached retina in my future. This decision breaks my heart. You that really know me will realize that this decision does not come easy but it is one that I alone have to make. I have had the honor of working with the best, first 19 years in “The Fantastic Shakers” and lately 20 years with “Sea-Cruz”. I will cherish my memories for the rest of my life. Thanks to Molly Askins Ford and Allie Privette this transition will be somewhat easier because they both want the best for myself and my recovery. Molly and I have been through so much together and I am going to miss backing her as well as Allie. They both “ROCK”. I want to thank all of our clients from all the past years especially “Creek Ratz” who kept us every week for twenty years. I would also like to thank all of you that came to see both bands do our thing. You included us in your families. You invited us to your homes. We played your weddings and you invited us when a loved one passed away. In other words you appreciated us not just by your presence at a performance but you included us in your lives. While I recover know that I am surrounded by friends and family but especially Debbi Bridges Fair, Megan Croft, my two Grandaughters, my Mom and my best friend “Cruz”. On a good note “Mental Case” is recovering nicely and I hope to spend more time with the company and I plan on studio time at home and at “Mental Trax” in Nashville. I feel like the luckiest guy on the planet because of my experiences with all of you and I look forward to an Incredible future with Debbi and Cruz. I love you all and wish you all the brightest of futures. Dino"

We wish him all of the best in his future endeavors as well as his health and we've included his original post below if you'd like to comment on it to send him your well wishes.

From the Sea-Cruz website:
"ProSound Entertainment proudly presents THE SEA-CRUZ BAND. This group has received numerous nominations and awards from the Carolina Beach Music Award Association.

This dynamic group features the advantages of modern technology, years of stage experience and a BOAT LOAD of personality!

SEA-CRUZ is a sequenced group, consisting of heavy keyboards and two or three lead vocalists. This combination gives you a big band sound without the big band PRICE and promises to deliver a complete and fun entertainment experience.

SEA-CRUZ musical menu includes the best of 60’s Oldies, Classic Rock, 70’s Disco, Carolina Beach and today’s hottest new songs. All of this flavored with Pop, Country, Rhythm and Blues and Standards gives you and your guests the Itinerary for a SPECTACULAR VOYAGE.

SEA-CRUZ has become one of the Southeast’s top entertainment groups so ALL ABOARD for a fun filled SEA-CRUZ. "

Little John Thompson has released a video for his new song, "No Matter (Cause Life Has Never Been Better)" that was released previously with Forevermore Music. According to the President of Forevermore (Christopher Biehler), John produced the video and what a great job he did! We've included it for you below and be sure to call your favorite DJs and stations and request the song and to view more music offerings, visit the Forevermore website.

if you were planning to join the Carolina Beach Music Academy and you'd like the opportunity to nominate your favorites in the various categories, time is running out. Thursday, July 15, 2021 is the final day to join in order to be eligible to nominate for the 2021 Carolina Beach Music Awards. You can join online by visiting the CBMA website and we also have links setup on the CBMA page here on our website.

Let's make 2021 one to remember and invite your friends to join. Introduce them to the various events throughout the industry and of course the one and only Cammy Weekend in November. Last year was tough for so many within our industry so let's bring everything together for 2021 and have the largest membership to date. We look forward to seeing everyone soon and we thank you for supporting Beach Music and the Carolina Beach Music Academy.

On June 22, 2021, the Associate of Beach and Shag Club DJ's (ABSCDJs) shared the sad news of the passing of Mike Little on their Facebook page. Their post reads: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of member Mike Little. Mike contributed to our Association as well as to the greater "shag", "music", and "dance" world for many many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends in the times ahead." Friends of Mike are sharing stories and memories on their own social media accounts and we've even read some on Mike's Facebook page. Here at Flip Flop Live, we'd like to extend our condolences to Mike's family and his friends during this time.

If service information is shared, we'll be sure to update this page with that information.
 

We found the following information on the Carolina Beach Music Academy (CBMA) website:
"Mike Little is a member of the Electric City Shag Club in Anderson, South Carolina and the Carolina Shag Club in Greenville, South Carolina. He hosted for 3-1/2 years The Saturday Morning Beach Party on WANS, 1280 AM in Anderson, which was rated by Arbitron as the highest rated AM show listened to and number three overall for that time slot. He is a regular columnist for the newsletters of the National Association of Rhythm & Blues Dee Jays and the Association of Beach & Shag Club DJ’s, as well as the web site, beachmusic45.com and Care Free Times, the official publication of Society of Stranders (SOS) and the Association of Carolina Shag Clubs. He serves on the Board as an Advisory Member of the Carolina Beach Music Awards. Mike also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Rhythm & Blues Dee Jays.

Mike resides in Anderson, South Carolina with his wife Barbara. He has three grown, married sons and four grandchildren. He is retired from Electric City Printing Company in Anderson, South Carolina where he last served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Electric City Printing Company. He served as Chairman of the Printing Industry of the Carolinas and President of the Printing Industry’s Foundation Board. He is a graduate of the Executive Development Program (EDP) of the Printing Industries of America and served as Chairman of the Advisory Board of EDP.

He is a graduate of Erskine College and is a member of First Presbyterian Church in Anderson and has served as a Deacon and an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and is a past president of the Men of the Church of Central Presbyterian Church.

Mike has served on the Advisory Board of Wachovia Bank and Bank of America in Anderson and is Advisory Board Emeritus for Anderson College. He also served on the Foundation Board of Tri-County Technical College. In addition, he has served as Chairman of The Foothills United Way and was Campaign Chairman of that organization in 1995. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Anderson, South Carolina and served as President of the organization and is a Paul Harris Fellow. He served over the years as a member and held offices in the local, state and national organizations of the Jaycees. He was local President and State President of the South Carolina JCI Senate.

He is a Master Mason in Hiram Lodge No. 68 in Anderson, South Carolina and a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of Greenville, South Carolina.